We Can't Ignore the Security Threat from Climate Change

[fedupinBushcountry]

Aug 31, 2009

http://www.operationfree.net/blog/26">We Can’t Ignore The Security Threat From Climate Change
By Senator John Kerry
On August 6, 2001, President George W. Bush famously received an intelligence briefing entitled, “Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S.” Thirty-six days later, al Qaeda terrorists did just that.

Scientists tell us we have a 10-year window—if even that—before catastrophic climate change becomes inevitable and irreversible. The threat is real, and time is not on our side.

Facts, as John Adams said, are stubborn things. Here are a few you need to know: Atmospheric carbon-dioxide levels have risen 38% in the industrial era, from 280 to 385 parts per million (ppm). Scientists have warned that anything above 450 ppm—a warming of 2 degrees Celsius—will result in an unacceptable risk of catastrophic climate change.

The truth is that the threat we face is not an abstract concern for the future. It is already upon us and its effects are being felt worldwide, right now. Scientists project that the Arctic will be ice-free in the summer of 2013. Not in 2050, but four years from now.

Make no mistake: catastrophic climate change represents a threat to human security, global stability, and –yes—even to American national security...

Also posted http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-kerry/we-cant-ignore-the-securi_b_272815.html">here

[ProSense]

1. It's wonderful that Senator Kerry is focusing people's attention on this issue.

Sometimes I wonder if it wasn't for Kerry ans a handful of Senators, progressive issues would simply fade into the background.

Everyone was up in arms when the House bill, though a vast improvement, seemingly fell short. Kerry has kept this issue at the forefront.

Reading about record high sea temperatures isn't comforting. I hope they move on this bill with some urgency.

[wisteria]

2. I am glad he is continuing to educate people about this issue and

has not relented in keeping it in the forefront. I just wish more people would understand the devastating effects if we just continue to nothing about climate change.

[beachmom]

3. In other news on climate change, Kerry & Boxer are delaying the bill's unveiling:

http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE57U59720090831

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry said in a statement they were making progress toward crafting a bill that Democrats will introduce.

More time was needed because of the struggle in Congress over healthcare legislation -- another of Obama's top priorities, which has been running into turbulence.

Boxer and Kerry also noted the death last week of Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy and hip surgery Kerry had this month, further complicating efforts.

[TayTay]

4. I am seriously not surprised at this

And would not be surprised if it gets delayed again.

Like it or not, the bill is not getting any oxygen, a fact that cuts for and against it. The health care debate is taking up so much of the time of so many people.

In the mean time, the clock ticks ever closer to Copenhagen and a possible treaty.